Apparatus for crimping intercooler tubes adjacent the sides of the tube supporting plates



July 5, 1949. J. c. THOMPSON 2,475,162

APPARATUS FOR CRIMPING INTERCOOLER TUBES ADJACENT THE SIDES OF THE TUBE SUPPORTING PLATES Filed Aug. 18, 1944 4 s Sheets-Sheet 1 35 33 Y a? 3s 45 so as 56 54 F z I. j E z 9 as Y s i 53 53;: :1 X '1 I E 2 l 0 O A 0 H l 48 21 an I I "ta -1' l L I 1 l v I LL NW1 J Bnventor JOHN c.- THOMPSON attorney 2,475,162 AGENT July 5, 1949. J. c. THOMPSON APPARATUS FOR CRIMPING INTERCOOLER TUBES ADJ THE SIDES OF THE TUBE SUPPORTING PLATES Filed Aug. 18, 1944 3 Sheets-$heet 2 IMJFO IMJF w I In.

- In. I

Jzwentor JOHN G. THOMPSON July 5, 1949. J. c. THOMPSON 2,475,162

APPARATUS FOR CRIMPING INTERCOOLER TUBES ADJACENT THE SIDES OF THE TUBE SUPPORTING PLATES Filed Aug. 18, 1944 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 L n w v w v W JH 314193.15

JOHN c. THOMPSON Snnentor (Ittorneg Patented July 5, 1949 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE APPARATUS FOR CRIMPING INTERCOOLEB TUBES ADJACENT THE SIDES OF THE TUBE SUPPORTING PLATES John C. Thompson, Los Angeles, Calif., asslgnor to The Garrett Corporation, Alresearch Manufacturing Company division, Los Angelou, Call! a corporation of California 14 Claims. 1

This invention relates generally to the art of securing tubes to supporting plates or the like, and more particularly to improvements in securing hollow tubes in cooperating openings provided in one or more intermediate plates of an intercooler especially adapted for use on aircraft.

The invention more specifically has to do with an acceptable type of intercooler structure made up of end plates and one or more intermediate plates arranged in parallel spaced relation. The plates have axially aligned cooperating sets of holes arranged in consecutive planes from one end to the other, the holes in each plane being in side-by-side relation from the top to the bottom, and the planes spaced in parallel relation from one end to the other. Tubes are placed in the cooperating sets of holes in all the planes, and suitably secured in the end plates. Flanged side plates are connected on opposite sides of the structure and each extends in parallel relation with the row of tubes in the adjacent end plane for constricting the flow of fluid on the outside of the tubes in a direction transversely of their lengths.

Inasmuch as the tubes in an intercooler are subject to great stresses, both inside and outside the tube, by reason of their dual function of separating two independent flows of fluid in heat exchange relation under high velocity, it is important therefore, that each tube be connected to its associated plates in a manner to effectively withstand these stresses and prevent vibrations. At the present time, there are diiierent ways in. which the tubes are secured in the openings of intercooler plates, such as the use of balls, but this method has the objection of enlarging the size of the tubes. Another method resides in placing a tool inside a tube and expanding the same so as to form outwardly bulged portions on opposite sides of the intermediate plate in closely abutting relation with the adjacent faces of the latter, but this has the further objection that only one tube can be secured at a time, which adds materially to the production costs. Another method resides in the use of a tool which is placed inside a tube and then is expanded to change the cross-sectional shape of the tube between the end plates and intermediate plate, which produces sloping portions on the tube on opposite sides of the intermediate plate in closely abutting relation with the adjacent faces of the latter, but, like- 2. wise, this has the same objection that only one tube can be secured at a time.

It is therefore, one of the objects of the present invention to provide a tube securing machine capable of securing in a single-operation a plurality of tubes to a supporting plate without changing the general cross-sectional shape of the tubes.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a tube securing machine capable of securing in a single operation a plurality of tubes to a supporting plate, the tubes being arranged in rows spaced apart relatively, and the securing effected by the use of a device of improved design capable of disposition between adjacent rows of tubes positioned in aligned holes on the supporting plate and imparting movement to the device for progressively engaging the tubes of adjacent rows to produce crimped portions on the tubes closely adjacent both faces of the supporting plate for securing the tubes and plate against relative axial movement without the objectionable results of the prior methods.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a tube securing machine of the character referred to, and the securing effected more speciflcally by the use of a plurality of members adapted for disposition between adjacent rows of tubes positioned in aligned holes on the supporting plate and each provided with crimping means, the members being movable for effecting progressive engagement between the crimping means and tubes of adjacent rows to produce crimped portions on the tubes closely adjacent both faces of the supporting plate for securing the tubes and plate against relative axial movement. 7

Another object of the present invention is to provide a tube securing machine of the character referred to and the securing effected more speciflcally by the use of a plurality of relatively thin flat members movably mounted and their lower ends spaced apartfor disposition between adjacent rows of tubes, the members being formed with transversely aligned slots to afford straddling of the supporting plate to guide the members during their movements andcooperating pairs of crimping dies mounted on the members and disposed on both sides of'the slots in close proximity to the adjacent walls of the latter to produce crimped portions on the tubes closely adjacent both faces of the plate for securing the tubes and plate against relative axial movement, the crimping of the tubes being effected progressively upon movement of the members.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a tube securing machine of the character referred to, and the securing effected more specifically by the use of a head mounted for movement in opposite directions, hydraulic means for moving the-head, and means connected to the head for movement therewith includingcrimping members capable of disposition between adjacent rows of tubes positioned in aligned holes on the supporting plate and when the head is moved in one direction progressively engaging the tubes of adiacent rows to produce crimped portions on the,

tubes closely adjacent both faces of the plate for securing the tubes and plate against relative axial movement.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a tube securing machine capable of securing in a single operation a plurality of tubes to a supporting plate, the tubes being arranged in rows and adjacent rows in staggered relation and the crimping effected by a plurality of movable members adapted for disposition between adjacent rows of tubes and each provided with.

dies having crimping faces on opposite sides so arranged relatively that the tubes in adjacentrows are crimped at the same time despite their staggered relation, thereby preventing turning or twisting of the tubes as the dies progressively advance.

Another object of the invention is to provide a tube-securing machine which is simple in construction, eflicient in operation, and inexpensive to manufacture.

With the objects above indicated'and other objects hereafter explained in view, my invention consists in the construction and combination of elements hereafter described and claimed.

Referring to the drawings Figure 1 is a front elevational view, partly in perspective, of the improved tube securing machine embodying my invention and showing the various elements in their relative positions with an intercooler structure positioned for the tube securing operation.

Figure 2 is a fragmentary partly sectioned plan view, taken from the plane indicated by line 2-2 of Figure 1, and shows the top side of the intercooler structure together with its supporting means.

Figure 3 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view of the members and crimping dies shown disposed between adjacent rows of relatively staggered tubes before the crimping operation.

Figure 4 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view of the members and crimping dies in a lower position in which the uppermost tubes have been crimped and those below ready for crimping operation.

Figure 5 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view of the members and crimping dies in a still lower position, in which the upper tubes in all of the rows have been crimped.

Figure 6 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view of the members and crimping dies, similar to Figure 3, but showing a modified arrangement of tubes which are in horizontal rows.

Figure 7 is a fragmentary side elevational view of a member formed with a slot and disposed above an intermediate plate of an intercooler over which it slides during the tube securing operation.

Figure 8 is a fragmentary sectional view, taken on line 8-8 of Figure 5, and shows the relation of the members, crimping dies, and tubes, in one position.

Figure 9-is a fragmentary sectional view, similar to Figure 8, but showing the tubes crimped on opposite sides in close abutting relation with the adjacent faces of the intermediate plate and with the crimping dies removed.

Figure 10 is a fragmentary view of the lower ends of the members and their respective crimping dies, the end members being of shorter length and having resilient means for engagement with a relatively stationary wall on the intercooler for exerting a yieldable force to effect crimping of the adjacent tubes.

Figure 11 is a front elevational view, on an enlarged scale, of one of the crimping dies used on the intermediate members and showing the relative position of the crimping faces.

Figure 12 is a side elevational view of the crimping die shown in Figure 11.

' Figure 13 is a horizontal sectional view, taken on line l3-l3 of Figure 11, and further shows the shape of the dies.

Figure 14 is a side elevational view of the crimping dies used on the end members and on an enlarged scale.

Figure 15 is a front elevational view of the dies shown in Figure 14.

Figure 16 is a fragmentary sectional view, on an enlarged scale, of one of the members in side elevation and showing the manner in which the members are removably mounted on the head.

In the drawings, I have illustrated one type of tube securing machine embodying the present invention, but it is not to be so restricted inasmuch as other adaptations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

In Figure 1, I have shown a tube securing machine, of preferred construction, embodying the present invention, but inasmuch as it was designed to secure a plurality of tubes on an intermediate plate of an intercooler structure of special construction, it is'believed that a description of the latter will tend toward a clearer understanding of the invention and'operation of the machine. With this in mind, therefore, the intercooler as illustrated in Figure 1 and 2 is designated generally by the numeral 20 and consists of end plates 2| and one or more intermediate plates 22 which are spaced apart in parallel relation. The number of intermediate plates is determined by the capacity desired, which governs the length of the tubes and provides sufficient support to withstand the external pressure of the fluid without vibration. There are three intermediate plates used in the present structure, but any number may be employed. The end and intermediate plates have axially aligned cooperating sets of holes 23 arranged in consecutive planes from one end to the other as indicated by the lines a-a, the holes in each plane being in sideby-side relation from the top to the bottom, as more clearly shown in Figure 3, and spaced in parallel relation from one end to the other. Tubes 24 are placed in the cooperating sets of holes in all of the planes, and suitably secured in the end plates 2i. Flanged side plates 25 are connected on opposite sides of the structure and each extends in-parallel relation with the row of tubes in the adjacent end plane for constricting the flow of fluid on the outside of the tubes in a direction transversely of their lengths.

The tubes on the intermediate plate or plates the latter.

are.,leit unsecured in the intercooler structure, and the machine illustrated embodies the improved invention of securing a plurality of the tubes in a single operation in a manner to be later described.

The tube securing machine is designated generally, as shown in Figure 1, by the numeral 26 and comprises a base 21, of metal, rectangularly shaped and has a fiat bottom on which it-may be suitably supported. Side members 28 extend upwardly any suitable distance on opposite sides, being spaced apart in parallel relation and integrally connected to the base 21. A hollow top member 29 is positioned transversely at the upper portion of the machine and welded or otherwise connected to the upper ends of the side members 28. A rod 30 is slidably mounted in thetop member 29 and has its lower end projecting slidably through the bottom of the member 29, the rod extending through a packing gland 3| which has a lateral flange 32 welded or otherwise secured to the underside of the members 29. The lower end of the rod 39 is formed of reduced diameter to provide an extension 33 which fits in the upper end of a sleeve 34 and is secured for unitary movement by a pin 35. The sleeve 34 is integrally connected to a head 38 of rectangular shape, which is positioned horizontally below but in parallel relation with the top member 29 and extends centrally upward, reinforcing ribs 31 being provided between the sleeve and head. The head 38 is provided with a plurality of slots 38 formed on its underside, which extend transversely of its width and the slots are arranged in parallel spaced relation as better shown in Fig. 16.

A plurality of relatively thin flat members 39 have their upper ends removably disposed in the slots 38 and are provided with aligned keyways 40 adjacent the upper ends and on both sides of the members. Clamping members 4| are posi- 'tioned on the front and rear faces of the head 38 and have inwardly projecting keys 42 which The plate 80 is flat and rectangular in shape, being in parallel relation with the table 48 and i slidably mounted in a way 8| formed in the upper surface of a base member 52 in a manner to afford removal of the table 48 so that the press can be used for other purposes. The base member 52 is disposed between the side members 28 and rests upon the upper face of the base 21 (Fig. 1) to which it is rigidly secured.

The table 48 is provided with a plurality of arms 53, four being used in the present instance, in the form of flat rectangular shaped plates which extend upwardly on opposite sides of the table and are arranged in cooperating pairs in transverse alignment, as more clearly shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The lower ends of the arms 53 are rigidly secured to the topface of the table and the upper ends are formed with lateral extensions 54 which project inwardly toward one another and their free ends are provided with adjusting screws 56 for apurpose to be later described. A pair of supporting rails 31, in the form of I sections, are likewise positioned on the upper face of the table 48 and extend along opposite sides but inwardly from the adjacent pairs of arms 53, therails being welded or otherwise secured. The upper end of the rails 51 are formed plates 2| and the intermediate plates 22 are arranged in parallel spaced relation in the direction are disposed in the adjacent slots of the members to maintain the latter in assembled relation. A plurality of machine screws 43 are employed for removably securing the clamping members and project through aligned holes in the clamping members and head, being threadedly secured in The members 39 are provided with novel crimping means which will be later described in detail. f

' The head 36 is guided in its vertical movement by guide'rods 44 positioned at the outer ends of the head in vertical parallel relation, and openings45 are provided in the ends of the head to of the rails and the flanged wall plates 25 are positioned along opposite sides. The tubes 24 are arranged in sets of holes 23 in the end and intermediate plates and the sets of tubes in each row are spaced apart from one end to the other. This arrangement affords proper spacing between adjacent rows of all tubes to afford securing to the intermediateplate in a manner to be described. The intercooler structure is slidable along the top flanges of the rails so as to afford ment-by suitably turning the adjacent screws 56.

slidably receive the adjacent ends of the guide rods, the head being formed with encircling annular extensions 48 on the underside to afl'ord additional bearing surface during relative sliding movement. The lower ends of the guide rods 44 extend downwardly and are secured in flanged sleeves 4'! which rest on a horizontally arranged table or support 48 and to which the flanges are bolted or otherwise secured, as more clearly shown in Figure 2. The table 48 ispositioned considerably below the members 39 on the head but upwardly from the base 21, and is in parallel relation with the latter to receive and support the intercooler in a manner to be later explained. The table 48 is supported at its corners by legs or angle members 49 which have their upper ends welded or otherwise secured to the underside of the table and the angle members extend vertically downward into abutting engagement with a plate 50 to which they are likewise welded or secured.

The members 39 secured to the head are all of the same shape and construction, except the extreme end ones. and it is believed therefore that a detailed description of one will sufiice for all. The plate 39, as above described, is relatively thin, fiat and of considerable width, as more clearly shown in Figs. 10 and 16 to afford disposition between adjacent rows of tubes. The is member is formed with'a transverse slot 60 at its central portionfwhi'ch extends upwardly from its lower edge and is of such width to slidably straddle an intermediate plate during the tube securing operation. The lower end of the slot 89 tapers outwardly at 6| to provide for a limited amount of disalignment between the slot and intermediate plate. The member 39 is further formed with a pair of recesses 62, of rectangular shape,which extend transversely through the plate on opposite sides of the slot 69, but in communication therewith, and are disposed in transverse alignment a suitable distance upwardly from the lower end. Crimping dies 83 are secured in the recesses i2 and each comprises, as more clearly shown in Figs. 11, 12 and 13, a base 64, of suitable die material, and of rectangular shape to closely flt in its respective recess 92 in which it is brazed or otherwise secured. At the outer end of the base 9| integral lateral crimpingflanges 95 and 86 are formed, which project outwardly on diametrically opposite sides and extend from the top to the bottom of the base, their outer faces being in alignment with the adjacent wall of the slot, thus preventing any interference with the intermediate plate over which it passes, as more clearly shown in Fig. 16. The crimping flange 68 is provided with a straight crimping face 61 of short extent compared with its length, which is positioned slightly off center from its central plane, as indicated by the section line, and tapered connecting faces 98 and 69 which converge outwardly toward opposite ends. The free end of the flange 86 is rounded at 10 to provide a. suitable crimping edge on one side of the crimping die 69. The crimping flange 65 is, likewise, provided with a straight crimping face H of short extent compared with its length, which is positioned slightly off center from its central plane, as indicated by the same section line, but in the opposite direction, and tapered connecting faces 12 and 13 which converge outwardly toward opposite ends. The free end of the flange 65 is rounded at 14 to provide a suitable crimping edge on the opposite side of the crimping die 63, as more clearly shown in Fig. 13. The only difference-in the crimping die 63 on the other side of the slot 60 is that the straight crimping face ii is positioned on the same side of the member 39 and in transverse alignment as shown in 16. As each of the thin, flat members 39 are provided with this type of crimping die 63 on both sides of their respective slots, the relation of the crimping faces on adjacent dies 63 is shown more clearly in Fig. 10, which is a pian view oi the members looking toward the lefthand wail of the slot 60, while those on the other side are positioned relatively in the same manner as those shown in Fig. 16.

The end members which will be designated 39a, while of the same shape and construction, are somewhat shorter in length as more clearly shown in Fig.,'l0, and inasmuch as only one side is required on these members due to the fact that they are adapted for disposition between the end row of tubes and the adjacent flanged wall of the intercooler structure, a different form of die is required. In this case, the and members 39a adjacent their lower ends are provided with rectangularly shaped recesses 15, positioned on opposite sides of the slot 60, and in transverse alignment as more clearly shown in Figs. 10 and 15. A crimping die 16 of suitable die material comprises a base 11 of rectangular shape adapted to fit in each of the recesses I5 and brazed or otherwise secured thereto. The crimping die 16 is provided on its outer end with a straight crimping face 18 of short extent compared with its length, and tapered connecting faces 19 and 80 which converge outwardly toward opposite ends, as more clearly shown in Fig. 14. The crimping faces 19 are in transverse alignment with the crimping faces H on the adjacent dies 93 to effect cooperating pairs of crimping dies for the end row of tubes. To effect operation of the crimping dies 16 on the end members 39a, flat leaf springs 8| have their upper ends riveted at 92 or otherwise secured to the outer faces of the members and their lower ends free and adapted for sliding engagement on the adjacent faces, the springs 8| being bent at 93 to effect inherent resilience therein. The springs 9| are positioned for sliding engagement with the adjacent wall 25 and when depressed creates a yieldable force for maintaining the die in crimping position with the thin that member 39 arranged in the manner shown in Figure l, and their lower ends spaced apart for disposition between adjacent rows of tubes 24 arranged in end plates 2| and one or more intermediate plates 22, and with the crimping dies 09 and 16 secured in the manner described so that the cooperating pairs of crimping faces 81, H and 19 are laterally disposed on opposite sides of the dies and in close proximity to both sides of the slots 60, as more clearly shown in Fig. 8, the members are lowered in such manner that the slots 69 fit over the upper end of the intermediate plate 22, as shown in Fig. 7, and upon further lowering, the ends of the members 39 extend between adjacent rows of tubes 24, the cooperating pairs of crimping faces being disposed just above the top row of tubes out of crimping engagement. and the spring 8| on the outer and member slidably engaging the flanged end wall 25 to exert a lateral yieldable force to maintain its die in operative position for effecting crimping of the outer row of tubes, as illustrated in Fig. 3.

Upon further lowering of the members 39, the top tubes in alternate rows are progressively engaged by the lower tapered crimping faces on adjacent dies and the crimping of these tubes begins. The crimping of these tubes continues until they reach the straight crimping faces. which produces the desired crimped portions on opposite sides of the intermediate plate, at which time the top tubes in the intermediate rows are progressively engaged by the lower tapered crimping faces on the adjacent dies, as illustrated in Fig. 4. Again the crimping of these tubes continues until they reach the straight crimping faces, which produces similar crimped portions on opposite sides of the intermediate plate, at

which time the top tubes in the alternate rows have moved beyond the straight faces and are free to continue without further resistance, as illustrated in Figure 5. The members continue their lowering movement until all of the tubes in the rows have been progressively acted upon in the foregoing manner. at which time the tubes have been secured to the intermediate plate, and the members-are then moved in the reverse direction to remove the latter, this being effected by reason of the relative positions of the crimped portions on each tube. When the members have been moved the tubes are secured to their respective intermediate plate by crimped portions formed on diametrically opposite sides of each tube, and on both sides of the intermediate plate in close proximity to the adjacent faces to secure the tubes against forces and vibration.

After the members 39 have been removed from the intermediate plate on which the tubes have been secured, the screws 58 are loosened, which permits adjustment of the intercooler structure 20 so that it can be moved along its supporting rails to-properly position another intermediate plate under the slots 60 and the screws 56 are again tightened to secure the structure for a similar operation on a different intermediate plate.

Any suitable means may be employed for moving the head and members, but preferably a hydraulic fluid system is used as indicated by the pipe lines 80, which are connected to opposite tubes;

saunas 9 sides of a piston, not shown, secured on the upper end of the rod Bil. The usual control valves may be employed for effecting movement of the head in opposite directions and also limiting its maximum travel in both directions.

While I have described the preferred embodiment of the invention, it is to be understood that produce crimped portions on the tubes as said I am not to be limited thereto inasmuch as changes and modifications may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the claims.

I claim as my invention:

I. In a machine for securing a plurality of hollow tubes in holes on a supporting plate or the like, the holes being arranged in rows spaced apart in paralle1 relation, th combination of: a movable head disposed above the supporting plate and tubes, and mounted for movement in opposite directions; a plurality of relatively flat, thin members connected to said head, said members being spaced apart and longitudinally movable between adjacent rows of tubes, and being formed with transversely aligned slots projecting upwardly from their lower ends to afford straddling oi the supporting plate; cooperating pairs of crimping dies mounted on said members and disposed on both sides of the slots in close proximity to the adjacent walls of the latter and projecting from said members so as to produce crimped portions on the tubes closely adjacent both faces of the plate as the dies movepastfrespective tubes, for securing the tubes and plate against relative axial movement; and means for.

ating pairs of crimping dies on said members,

fixed relative to each other and projecting from said members, said dies being so arranged as to slidably impress crimped portions on the tubes closely adjacent both faces of the plate as said dies move past said tubes; and means for operably moving said head.

3. In a. machine for securing hollow tubes in holes in a supporting plate or the like, the holes being arranged in rows spaced apart in parallel relation, the combination of: a movable head disposed in operative relationship to the plate and tubes; a plurality of members supported by said head and so arranged that movement of the head will effect movement of said members through the spaces between adjacent rows of cooperating pairs of crimping dies mounted on said members, said dies being adapted to simultaneously move along parallel paths and in the same direction and to slldably engage the tubes for producing crimped portions on said tubes closely adjacent both faces of the plate as said dies move through said spaces; and

means for operably moving the head.

4. In a machine for securingv a plurality of hollow tubes in holes in a supporting plate or the like, the holes being arranged in rows spaced apart in parallel relationship, the combination of a plurality of members supported above the plate and tubes, and adapted for movement .in

dies are moved past said tubes; and means for moving said members and their crimping dies into progressive engagement with the tubes.

5. In a machine for securing a plurality of hol low tubes in holes in a supporting plate or the like, the holes being arranged in rows spaced apart in parallel relation, the combination of: a plurality of members supported in operative relation to the plate and tubes, and movable into the spaces between adjacent rows of tubes, said members being formed with transversely aligned slots projecting upwardly from their lower ends for reception of the supporting plate during operative movements of said members; cooperating pairs of crimping dies mounted on "said members and disposed on both sides of the slots in close proximity to the adjacent walls of the latter, ,said dies being tapered longitudinally and adapted to engage portions of the tubes closely adjacent the faces of the plates for crimping said tubes and securing them against axial movement relative to the plate; and means for moving said members and their crimping dies.

6. In a machine for securing a plurality of hollow tubes in holes in a supporting plate or the like, the holes being arranged in rows spaced apart in parallel relation, the combination of: a plurality of members supported for movement into the spaces between adjacent rows of tubes; cooperating pairs of crimping dies mounted on said members so as to pass along opposite sides of said tubes, said crimping dies having camlike surfaces for slidable engagement with said sides of the tubes .to produce crimped portions on said tubes closely adjacent both faces of the plate, thereby securing the tubes and plate against relative axial movement; and means for moving said members and their crimping dies into engagement with the tubes.

7. In a machine for securing a plurality of hollow tubes in holes in a supporting plate or the like, the holes being arranged in rows spaced apart in parallel relationship, the combination of: a movable head operably disposed relative to the plate and tubes-and mounted for movement toward and away from said plate and tubes;

a plurality of relatively thin members having their upper ends connected to said head for movement therewith, said plates. being spaced apart for movement within the spaces between the adjacent rows of tubes except the end members which are adapted for disposition in the spaces between the end rows of tubes and an adjacent relatively stationary wall; cooperating pairs of crimping dies mounted on said members and arranged to move in paths intersected by 7 side portions of the tubes closely adjacent both faces of the plate for crimping said portions 01' the tubes, said crimped portions halving bottoms substantially parallel with the paths of movement of said dies; and means for operably movthe like, the holes being arranged in rows spaced apart in parallel relation, the combination of:

J a movable head disposed above the supporting spaced laterally apart, secured to said head for movement in the spaces between adjacent'rows of tubes. except the end members which are adapted for disposition in the spaces between the end rows of tubes and an adjacent relatively stationary wall; resilient means secured to each end member and slidably engageable with said stationary wall for exerting a yielding force in the direction of the tubes; cooperatin pairs oi. climping dies mounted on said members so as to pass along opposite sides of said tubes, said crimping dies having tapered crimping portions arranged to crimp the tubes closely adjacent both faces of the plate for securing the tubes and plate against relative axial movement progressively as said members are moved within the spaces between said tube rows; and means for operably moving the head.

9. In a machine for securing a plurality of thin walled hollow tubes in holes on a supporting plate or the like, the holes being arranged in rows spaced apart in parallel relation, the combination of a plurality of members operably supported relative to the plate and tubes for movement in the spaces between adjacent rows of tubes, except the end members which move in the spaces between the end rows of tubes and an adjacent relatively stationary wall; resilient means secured to each end member and slidably engageable with the adjacent side of said relatively stationary wall for exerting a yieldable tubes as said first mentioned members are operably moved; laterally extending crimping flanges on said base members for crimping engagement with the adjacent sides of the tubes; and means for operably moving the first mentioned members.

10. In a machine for securing a plurality of tubes in holes on a supporting plate or the like, the holes being arranged in rows spaced apart in parallel relation, the combination of a plurality of members supported above the plate and tubes and adapted for movement in the spaces between adjacent rows of tubes except for the end members which are adapted for movement in the spaces between the end rows of tubes and an adjacent relatively stationary wall; resilient means secured to each end member and slidably engageable with the adjacent relatively stationary wall for exerting a yieldable force in the direction of the tubes} cooperating pairs of crimping dies mounted on said members and adapted to pass adjacent opposite sides of said tubes, said crimping dies having tapered camlike faces engageable with adjacent portions of the tubes for producing crimped portions therein; and means for moving said members in the spaces between the tube rows for effecting progressive engagement of the tapered cam-like faces of the crimping dies with the respective tubes.

11. In means for crimping, adjacent the face of a supporting plate, a plurality of tubes supported in openings in said plate and arranged in spaced rows, the combination of: a plurality of spaced members supported for operative movement in the spaces between said tubes; and means on said members movable through the spaces between said rows and adapted to slidably engage the sides of said tubes in a row for crimping said tube sides and expanding the tubes between the indentations thus formed therein. the tubes in successive rows being progressively crimped as the space members are moved through the spaces between said tubes.

12. In a machine for securing a plurality of hollow tubes in holes on a supporting plate or the like, the holes being arranged in rows spaced apart in substantially parallel relation, the combination of: a member operably supported relative to the plate and tubes and adapted for movement in the spaces between the end rows of tubes and said plate; cooperating pairs of crimping dies mounted on said member and so disposed as to pass along opposite sides of said tubes, said crimping dies being provided with cam-like portions arranged to slidably engage and crimp the sides of the tubes closely adjacent both faces of the plate; and means for moving said member and its crimping dies to progressively engage the respective tubes 01' a row.

13. In meansfor crimping, adjacent the face of a supporting plate, a plurality of tubes supported in openings in said plate and arranged in spaced rows, the combination of: a plurality of crimping dies operably supported for movement in the spaces between the rows of tubes, said crimping dies being movable in respective paths closely adjacent to and substantially parallel with said plate, said paths bein intersected by portions of the tubes of a row so that said dies slidably engage and form indentations in said intersecting tube portions in planes substantially parallel to said paths whereby said tubes will be expanded between the indentations formed therein; and means for operably moving said dies through said path for successive action upon the tubes.

'14. In a machine for securing hollow tubes in holes of a supporting plate or the like, said holes being arranged in rows spaced apart in parallel relation, the combination of: members supported above the plate and tubes and adapted for movement in the spaces between adjacent rows of tubesi and projecting means on said members, movable through the spaces between said rows progressively past said rows as said members are moved in said spaces, said-projecting means being so positioned on said members as to slidably engage the tubes closely adjacent the faces of the plate and impress crimps in said tubes as said members are moved past said tubes for securing the tubes and plate against relative axial movement.

JOHN C. THOMPSON.

REFERENCES CITED The following referenlces are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Great Britain Mar. 1, 1937 Certificate of Correction 1 Patent No. 2,475,162. July 5, 1949.

JOHN C. THOMPSON It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows:

Column 12, list of references cited, after line 67, insert the following:

1,604,045 Hathaway et a1 Oct. 19, 1926 and that the said Letters Patent should be read with this correction therein that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Olfice.

Signed and sealed this 6th day of December, A. D. 1949.

THOMAS F. MURPHY,

Assistant Commissioner of Patents. 

